PhD student in Turbulent structures

Most flows in chemical process industry are turbulent.Traditionally only averaged quantities of turbulence has been modeled using simple k-e or RSM models.However, the distribution of turbulence will affect the outcome for all nonlinear phenomena e.g.coalescence and breakup of bubbles and drops and mixing coupled with fast chemical reactions.The new trend in turbulence modeling is to identify that turbulence has structure but the existing models are still very simple and a better understanding of these phenomena is essential.The objective of the project is to develop a model for the distribution of turbulent eddies.Wavelets and POD will be used to identify the turbulent eddies and study their evolution in time.New models will be developed that describes the size, energy, and lifetime distribution.The models will be used in a wider context i.e.for modeling of mixing controlled chemical reactions and for bubble and drop break-up and coalescence.Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is available for measuring velocity, Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) for mixing and high speed CCD cameras for bubble and drop measurement.Description of the position The position is limited to maximum five years and corresponds to full-time research studies during four years.In addition, teaching in the undergraduate or masters curriculi at Chalmers could be included corresponding to one year, teaching work distributed over the whole time of the position. A suitable background is Master of Science (Swedish: civilingenjör) in Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering with Physics (Kf), Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Physics; specifically with interest in applied mathematics and transport phenomena.